This past weekend, members of the Maydole Hose Co. once again honored their deceased members at Mt. Hope and St. Paul’s cemeteries in Norwich, as well as cemeteries in North Norwich and New Berlin. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH - Members of the Maydole Hose Company No. 2 visited the graves of deceased members at Mt. Hope and St. Paul's Cemeteries in Norwich, as well as cemeteries in North Norwich and New Berlin, on Saturday, May 17. They spent the morning replacing worn flags adorning the grave sites of their former members.

“Each year, members of the Maydole Hose Company No. 2 honor their past by placing American flags on the graves of deceased members," said Maydole Hose Co. President Pat Ford. "This annual tradition serves as a solemn tribute to those who dedicated their service to the department and the community."

This year, they also added new plaques to memorialize former chiefs with the company.

“This year, the company introduced a meaningful addition to this practice. Alongside the Maydole plaque, a new chief’s plaque was placed to specifically recognize and honor the graves of former Norwich chiefs, dating back to 1898," said Ford. "The initiative reflects the department’s ongoing respect and appreciation for the leadership and legacy of those who once held the department's highest office.

“The new memorials are a symbol of enduring gratitude and ensure that the contributions of past chiefs are remembered with distinction.”

-Information provided by the Maydole Hose Co.